Individual stores have a variety of opening hours, with some, such as Walmart, Sears and Toys R Us, opening as early as 8 p.m. today. Target opens at 9 p.m.; Best Buy, Macy's and Kohl's at midnight. Kmart and JCPenney open at 6 a.m. Friday. Many retailers offer online sales on Thanksgiving itself.

SHOPPING TIPS

? Research the Black Friday ads. Check out the deals in today's Press, then list what you want to buy and stick to that list.

? If you see an unexpected great deal, ask yourself if you really need it.

? Save your receipts.

? Wear comfortable shoes.

? Consider online alternatives. Many stores are offering great deals on their websites, too.

MACY'S THANKSGIVING PARADE

Goodbye, Sandy. Hello Kitty!

That horrendous hurricane will not stop balloons from flying in the 86th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Superstorm Sandy damaged many places in New Jersey, including Hoboken, former longtime home of the parade studio, and the Bergen County borough of Moonachie, where the studio moved last October.

Luckily, the balloons themselves made it through, safe and sound.

A new Hello Kitty balloon debuts this year, depicting the feline flying an airplane. Also new this year are Papa Smurf and Elf On The Shelf balloons.

The 86th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade will air live from 9 a.m. to noon today on NBC. Info:www.macys.com/parade